02/16/2025
This list is the first in a series of ways I’m learning to be more neurodivergent affirming, I’d love for you to join me. Have you had an experience with therapy, intake forms, or consent forms that helped you feel safe and supported? Have you had an opposite reaction? Please leave a comment if so, I’d love to hear from you. I will be sending my clients some updated forms this week.
When I opened my practice last year, I quickly threw together some intake and consent forms primarily using the templates provided through my electronic medical record company. Not only was I not getting all of the information I truly needed to get the best start with my clients, but as I read the completed ones I felt a dread that some of the questions likely did not help caregivers feel supported. The second slide is wordy, I knoooow. BUT they are words that deserve to be shared. If you’re a skimmer, just give the purple message a moment of your time.
Lately, I’ve been talking to my families about advocacy, how to honor their child’s autonomy, and how to protect them in this wild world of technology. From how much screen time to the best programs/apps, to keeping them safe on social media/digital platforms, our job as parents seems to get a bit harder every day (I am there with you, in the trenches).
So, what I will do for you, as well as an army of other neurodivergent therapists, is to protect your child from the very beginning with my intake and consent forms. I strive to clearly indicate my mission- to very diligently protect and care for your child as they grow in their communication skills. In this case, that means learning about their strengths, standing beside you in advocacy, and never putting identifying, unedited photos or videos on my public formats where they can be seen or used without their consent.
143 always, Megan
